Santa Paula Library Author Fair

Today’s first author fair at the Santa Paula Blanchard Library was a pleasant surprise. People bought books! You might think it’s strange that I was surprised by this phenomenon, but the fact is, in the many author panels at libraries and fairs in which I’ve participated, people who attend rarely like books. It makes sense–they go to the library to borrow books. But the holidays are coming and people are already thinking about gifts. Books make the perfect gift!

Sheila at the Santa Paula Library Author Fair

So, here I am at my table. I’ve reached an age where I dislike seeing myself in pictures, but a blog post is more interesting with visuals (I’m aware that nobody but me cares how I look). I have been invited to give a talk at the Library early next year, which should be fun. And it’s exciting to see my books on the shelves.

A lovely woman who sat next to me at the Santa Paula Library today said, “Oh, I only write children’s books,” apparently not recognizing how important that is. Encourage your children, grandchildren, or other kids in your life to read.

There’s no better way to learn about the world. There’s nothing wrong with going places on Youtube, but reading an author’s impression of people or places takes you inside a story in a way that passive watching cannot. Children who learn to love reading at an early age will be readers for life. Whether you prefer to hold a physical book in your hand, or enjoy the convenience of carrying a hundred books around in your tablet or phone, just read (or listen to audiobooks).